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Effect of Radiant Warmer on Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and Skin Hydration in Preterm Infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 24, pages 372–375 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of radiant warmers on skin barrier function in preterm infants.

METHODOLOGY: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration were measured in 30 preterm infants (birth weight 825 to 2220 g) in seven body areas: forehead, upper back, cubital fossa, palms, soles, abdomen, and inguinal region. Measurements were performed under radiant warmer and incubator conditions. Each patient served as his/her control.

RESULTS: TEWL was significantly higher in the radiant warmer compared to the incubator condition in only two areas: forehead and back. The overall mean difference in percentage TEWL between the conditions was 15%. Stratum corneum hydration was not affected by the radiant warmer.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of radiant warmers does not significantly decrease barrier function in the preterm infant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neonatology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Israel

    A Maayan-Metzger & L Sirota

  2. Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqva, Israel

    G Yosipovitch & E Hadad

  3. Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    G Yosipovitch & E Hadad

Authors
  1. A Maayan-Metzger
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  2. G Yosipovitch
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  3. E Hadad
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  4. L Sirota
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Maayan-Metzger, A., Yosipovitch, G., Hadad, E. et al. Effect of Radiant Warmer on Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and Skin Hydration in Preterm Infants. J Perinatol 24, 372–375 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211107

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211107

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